Choosing the right heater for a screened-in porch means balancing safety, weather resistance, and the type of heat you want. Below is a quick summary of the five heaters covered in this guide along with key features to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared | IP55, 900/1200/1500W, 120V, remote |
| SereneLife Outdoor 900W Infrared | IP65, 900W, carbon fiber, remote, energy efficient |
| Dr Infrared DR-338 Infrared Tripod | IP55, 3 power settings, tripod & tip-over protection |
| ThermoMate 4500W Hardwired Infrared | 4500W, hardwired 240V, remote with 24-hour timer |
| Heat Storm HS-1500 WiFi Wall Mounted | Wall mount, Wi‑Fi control, digital thermostat |
Dr Infrared DR-238 Carbon Infrared Heater
This model Is Designed For Both Indoor And Outdoor Use With An IP55 Rating For Dust And Water Protection. It Uses Carbon Infrared Heating Elements For Clean, Instant, Odorless Heat And Offers Three Power Settings: 900W, 1200W, And 1500W On Standard 120V Power.
The unit Includes A Remote For Easy Operation And A Plug-And-Play Setup That Works Well On A Screened-In Porch Where Moderately Protected Weather Resistance And Simple Installation Are Priorities.
SereneLife Outdoor 900W Infrared Heater
The SereneLife Patio Heater Is IP65-Rated, Indicating Strong Weather Resistance And Corrosion Protection For Covered Outdoor Spaces. It Uses High-Efficiency Carbon Fiber Elements And Delivers Sun-Like, Odorless Heat With Two Heat Levels And A Remote Control For Convenience.
This Unit Is Marketed For Energy Efficiency — ETL-Certified With About 88% Efficiency According To The Manufacturer — Making It Appropriate For Screened-In Porches Where Moderate Heat And Lower Energy Use Are Desired.
Dr Infrared DR-338 Infrared Patio Heater
The DR-338 Combines Portability And Weather Resistance With An Adjustable Aluminum Tripod And IP55 Rating For Indoor/Outdoor Use. It Offers Three Power Settings (900W, 1200W, 1500W) And Tip-Over Protection For Safety On Surfaces That May Not Be Totally Level.
This Design Is Useful On A Screened Porch When You Need To Move Heat To Different Seating Areas Or Remove The Unit For Storage; The Tripod And Long Extension Cord Support Flexible Placement.
ThermoMate 4500W Carbon Fiber Heater
The ThermoMate Is A High-Output Hardwired Unit Designed To Cover Larger Spaces Up To Approximately 170–200 Sq. Ft. It Uses A Carbon Fiber Tube For Rapid, Direct Infrared Heating And Offers Three Power Levels With A Full 24-Hour Timer Via Remote Control.
Because It Requires Hardwiring To A Dedicated 240V Circuit, This Option Is Best For Screened Porches Where Permanent Installation Is Acceptable And Where Higher, Consistent Output Is Needed To Heat A Larger Covered Area.
Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Wall Mounted Heater
The Heat Storm HS-1500 Is A Space-Saving Wall-Mounted Unit That Includes Wi‑Fi Control, A Digital Thermostat, And A Remote. It’s Marketed Primarily For Indoor Use But The Wall-Mount Format Works On Many Screened-In Porches When The Location Offers Adequate Protection From Direct Weather.
Its Features Include Tip-Over Safety (Relevant For Portable Units) And A Touch Screen Interface; For A Screened Porch, Confirm Local Codes And The Unit’s Suitability For Semi-Exposed Installations Before Installing.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Screened-In Porch Heater
Selecting the right heater for a screened-in porch depends on three broad factors: heat type and coverage, installation and power, and safety and weather resistance. Below are the specific considerations to compare models objectively.
1. Heat Type: Infrared vs. Convection vs. Flame
Infrared Heaters Deliver Direct Radiant Heat To People And Objects Rather Than Heating Air. They Are Efficient For Screened Porches Because They Are Less Affected By Air Movement And Provide Immediate Warmth.
Convection Heaters Warm The Air And Work Best In Enclosed Spaces; they may be less efficient on porches with drafts. Propane/Flame Heaters Provide High Output But Require Ventilation And Often Are Not Recommended For Partially Enclosed Or Screened Porches Due To Carbon Monoxide And Open Flame Concerns.
2. Power Source And Installation
Determine Whether You Want Plug-In 120V Models Or Hardwired 240V Units. Plug-In Units Offer Portability And Simpler Installation, While Hardwired Models Deliver Greater Output For Larger Spaces But Require Professional Electrical Work.
Check The Recommended Mounting Height And Clearance Requirements In The Product Manual To Ensure Safe And Efficient Placement On A Screened Porch.
3. Weather Resistance And IP Ratings
For Screened Porches, Choose Units With Weather Ratings Such As IP55 Or IP65 If The Heater Will Be Exposed To Moisture Or Occasional Rain. IP65 Provides Higher Water Ingress Protection Than IP55, Which Can Matter For Porches With Rain-Driven Wind.
4. Coverage & Output
Match The Heater Output To The Porch Size. Manufacturer Coverage Estimates Are Useful: small infrared units may cover 50–100 sq ft, mid-size units 100–200 sq ft, and high-output hardwired models 200+ sq ft. Consider seating arrangement and wind exposure when evaluating coverage.
5. Controls, Timers, And Convenience
Remote Controls, Timers, And Thermostats Enhance Usability On A Screened Porch. Wi‑Fi or Smart Controls Allow Preheating From Inside The Home, While Push-Button Remotes Provide quick adjustments during use.
6. Safety Features
Look For Tip-Over Protection On Portable Models, Overheat Shutoff, Proper Mounting Hardware For Wall/Ceiling Units, And Clear Manufacturer Instructions On Clearances And Surface Materials. For enclosed or semi-enclosed porches, adequate ventilation and CO monitoring are essential if any combustion device is considered.
7. Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost
Infrared Heaters Are Often More Efficient For Outdoor Or Semi-Outdoor Use Because They Heat Objects Directly. Check Wattage Settings, Efficiency Claims (When Provided), And Use Patterns To Estimate Operating Costs. Variable Power Settings Can Help Reduce Energy Use.
8. Portability And Placement Flexibility
Tripod Or Free-Standing Units Provide Flexibility To Move Heat Where Needed; wall-or-ceiling mounted models Keep Floor Space Clear And Offer Permanent Installation. Consider storage needs and whether the unit must be removed for harsh weather.
9. Noise, Odor, And Maintenance
Infrared Electric Heaters Produce Minimal Noise And No Combustion Odor. Gas Or Flame Heaters Produce Sound From The Flame And May Require Regular Fuel Tank Maintenance. Check Manufacturer Guidance On Cleaning Reflectors, Replacing Elements, Or Servicing Electronics.
10. Local Codes, Insurance, And Porch Construction
Confirm Local Building Codes, Homeowner Association Rules, And Insurance Requirements Regarding Electric Or Gas Heaters On Screened Porches. If Your Porch Is Partially Enclosed With Combustible Materials, Choose Products Rated For Such Installations And Follow All Clearance Instructions.
| Comparison Perspective | What To Look For |
|---|---|
| Best For Easy Setup | 120V Plug-In Infrared Units With Remote Control |
| Best For Larger Covered Porches | Hardwired 240V Infrared Units With Higher Wattage |
| Best For Mobility | Tripod/Free-Standing Units With Tip-Over Protection |
| Best For Weather Resistance | Units With IP65 Or Higher Ratings |
| Best For Smart Control | Wi‑Fi Or Digital Thermostat Models |
When selecting a heater for a screened-in porch, prioritize safety ratings and the type of heat relative to how open or enclosed the porch is. Use the comparison perspectives above to narrow choices based on installation type, coverage area, and desired control features.